Chapter 10 - Ethics

Question 1

What are the main ethical principles health researchers are concerned with?​

Answer 1

• Autonomy
• Beneficence
• Justice
• Non-maleficence
• Respect for human dignity
• Confidentiality
• Veracity

Question 2

Define Autonomy

Answer 2

The right to determine one’s own actions.

Question 3

Define Beneficence

Answer 3

Acting to benefit humankind and promote welfare.

Question 4

Define Justice

Answer 4

Treating people fairly and ensuring no exploitation.

Question 5

Define Non-maleficence

Answer 5

Avoiding or minimizing harm.

Question 6

Define Respect for human dignity

Answer 6

Recognizing the inherent value of all individuals.

Question 7

Define Confidentiality

Answer 7

Maintaining privacy and privileged information.

Question 8

Define Veracity

Answer 8

The obligation to tell the truth and provide comprehensive information​

Question 9

What is the role and function of institutional ethics committees?

Answer 9

• Institutional ethics committees, known as Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs), uphold ethical research principles.
• They review ethics applications, ensuring that research is conducted with appropriate protections, fair recruitment, and justified risks and benefits.
• HRECs include members unrelated to the research project, such as academics, health professionals, lawyers, and laypersons​

Question 10

How do you evaluate the ethical aspects of a published journal article?

Answer 10

• The evaluation involves considering seven components of ethical research, which include:
• Reviewing the presence of Human Research Ethics Committee approval
• Ensuring that participants were treated fairly
• Risks were justified by benefits
• Privacy and informed consent were respected